Topper Returns Blu-ray Review

VCI Entertainment and MVD Visual present "Topper Returns" on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer framed in a 1.38:1 aspect ratio. The release addresses some historical challenges of VCI's high definition products, showcasing an improvement in reducing encoding anomalies and displaying commendable restoration efforts. Although the transfer suffers from some fairly aggressive filtering, leading to a lighter grain presence than expected, it manages to deliver decent detail and generally stable sharpness, despite occasional lack of clarity on the left side of the frame. The brightness and contrast are somewhat inconsistent, fluctuating from moment to moment, but overall, the video quality remains respectable given its vintage and public domain status.

The facial definition in some close-ups displays reasonable texture, which is quite remarkable for a film of this age. Interior scenes highlight detailed production design, though the overall image displays a digital video sheen due to compression issues, producing visible blocking in shadowy areas and invoking an inconsistent gray scale that ranges from excellent dimension to utterly flat. This transfer also struggles with distracting shifts in tint from yellowed to green to gray.

Despite these points, the restoration has successfully removed most signs of age-related wear and tear, leaving only minor scratches and dirt spots. The resolution remains high and consistent throughout, including scenes with visual effects. This release stands significantly ahead of previous reissues that suffered in public domain condition. Although not without its flaws, this Blu-ray transfer is a commendable effort from VCI Entertainment, marking evident progress in their high definition product line.

The audio presentation of "Topper Returns" on Blu-ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track that, while reflecting the limitations of its era, delivers an overall serviceable listening experience. The audio is characterized by a somewhat shallow and boxy sound, with particularly thin upper registers. Despite these inherent limitations, the dialogue, effects, and musical score are presented with a commendable level of clarity and without any significant distractors such as dropouts or severe damage.

Additionally, the PCM mono mix exhibits noticeable aging issues that afflict the score notably. The highs tend to wobble and strain, while the lows are practically nonexistent, resulting in a bass that is virtually absent. General aging signs like light static, occasional pops, and a singular dropout are present but controlled. Despite these imperfections, the dialogue remains clear and retains a natural reverb within the open ceiling environment, maintaining intelligibility and cleanliness throughout the presentation.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Topper Returns" enrich the viewing experience but are limited in variety and accessibility. Upon disc boot-up, trailers for the first "Topper" (3:05) and "Topper Takes a Trip" (2:58) play automatically, yet these trailers are not conveniently referenced in the menu. Additionally, the disc's main menu includes a trailer for "Topper Returns" (2:40). The presentation quality is commendable with each trailer presented in 1080p resolution. However, the lack of further extras might leave avid collectors wanting more. Here’s a detailed list of included features:

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: For "Topper Returns."
• Trailer for Topper: Automatically plays upon disc boot-up.
• Trailer for Topper Takes a Trip: Automatically plays upon disc boot-up.

Topper Returns is a spirited blend of horror, comedy, and mystery, seamlessly channeling the pulse of 1940s cinema. In this third installment of the Topper series, Roland Young reprises his role as Cosmo Topper, though it is Joan Blondell who rightly steals the show. Blondell’s performance as Gail Richards, a wise-cracking ghost trying to uncover her murderer, injects substantial vitality into the narrative. Her sarcastic, tipsy demeanor provides a delightful juxtaposition to the film's supernatural elements, drawing apt comparisons to the likes of The Invisible Man. This blend of spook and humor is further enhanced by a cast of quirky characters and Billie Burke’s notable depiction of Clara Topper, echoing her whimsical portrayal in The Wizard of Oz.

The setting—a looming mansion reminiscent of the Universal monster films—sets the stage for a classic whodunit narrative. However, Topper Returns deviates through its lively succession of humorous domestic scenes and socially snarky tones. Eddie Anderson’s role as Eddie (Cosmo's chauffeur) is underlined with racial stereotypes typical of that era but his adeptness with physical comedy shines through, notably in scenes involving his struggle with a sea lion. The plot unravels through a mix of frantic pacing and quirky antics, heavily relying on familiar tropes like self-closing doors and levitating objects but ultimately keeping viewers engaged with a procession of amusing character interactions.

Ultimately, Topper Returns succeeds not for its groundbreaking storytelling but for its charming characters and the engaging interplay among them. The plot may be formulaic, but it’s enlivened by uphill struggles and comic moments that keep the mystery vibrant. This is Blondell’s movie through and through; her spirited performance elevates this entry into something memorable, making it a notable chapter in the Topper saga.

"Topper Returns" on Blu-ray offers an engaging experience albeit with certain limitations. This third and final film in the "Topper" series diverges from the earlier plots, lacking the suaveness of Cary Grant, who also wasn’t part of the second installment. Nonetheless, the film possesses a manic energy that ensures each joke lands, even after all these years. The cast features a host of Golden Era notables who bring a certain charm and enthusiasm to their roles, making the film enjoyable despite its differences from its predecessors.

VCI's Blu-ray release, while commendable for bringing this classic to high-definition, reveals some areas needing improvement. The video presentation has sparked mixed responses from fans, with certain aspects appearing less refined. Potential viewers are advised to examine screenshots provided in reviews to gauge whether the visual quality meets their expectations. This cautious approach will help in making an informed purchase decision.

In conclusion, "Topper Returns" may deviate from the core elements of its franchise but still manages to offer entertainment through its spirited cast and clever humor. Although VCI's high-definition presentation could benefit from further refinement, the transfer does an adequate job of preserving the film’s legacy. Fans of the series and classic cinema will find value in this release, with a recommendation to review the technical aspects before purchase.